Awning and backlit sign fabric having a selectively eradicable ink layer and a process for producing same

Abstract

Backlit sign fabric formed by coating release paper with ink, applying a plastisol coating onto the dried ink, applying a reinforcing scrim onto the coating, curing the product, then removing the release paper.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for producing a backlit sign and awning fabric having a selectively eradicable ink layer, comprising the steps of: a) applying a selectively eradicable ink to a carrier substrate;   b) drying the inked carrier substrate;   c) applying a translucent plastisol coating on the dried ink carrier substrate;   d) applying a reinforcing scrim onto the translucent coating;   e) curing the product formed by steps a through d; and   f) thereafter removing the carrier substrate.   
     
     
       2. The method according to claim 1, further including the step of calendaring and cooling the product after the curing step. 
     
     
       3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the curing is carried out in an oven having at least six different heating zones ranging in temperature from 200°-400° F. 
     
     
       4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the dwell time which said product remains in each of said heating zones ranges from 12-24 seconds. 
     
     
       5. The method according to claim 1, further including the step of selectively applying a solvent to the ink, thereby forming a selected pattern on the backlit sign and awning fabric. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 1 wherein said carrier substrate is a cobalt complex treated release paper. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 1 wherein said eradicable ink has a viscosity of about 3600 cps and an optical density of about 65-70% light transmission.